We are following up with over 1500 of our students who were sure/ on the border for clearing prelims.
In the unlikely event, that you haven’t been able to clear the exam, please have a word with us. https://wa.aisensy.com/qAaAYO
99.9% students dont clear the exam because they lack a deep understanding of the focus areas, pyqs and precise areas from which questions can be asked.
Those looking for the 10 controversial questions in UPSC prelims, connect with us here and we will help you with 10 questions that were tricky.
For those who are on a roll! CONGRATULATIONS. We are excited for you and wish to do everything in our power to support you in your future journey.
Q1,Q2,Q3 are controversial questions in UPSC prelims and UPSC can use its own logic to decide the answer. We have taken our stand based on our knowledge.
We are all aware that prelims is becoming very unpredictable. It requires a very targeted approach.
First, you need to be aware of all the recurring micro themes from which UPSC repeatedly asks questions year after year. You must develop a solid command of these themes and ensure you don’t miss a question. Questions on these themes are on the tougher side. Next, you need to master adjacent themes and CA themes that are prominent in the same year.
Finally, the art of attempting the paper, taking guesses based on previous year patterns.
– https://wa.aisensy.com/vF6bRr
Q1. Consider the following:
Carabid beetles
Centipedes
Flies
Termites
Wasps
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
a) only two
b)only three*
c) only four
d) all five
====
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Parasitoids are small insects whose immature stages develop either within or attached to the outside of other insects, referred to as hosts, eventually killing it. Parasitoids have characteristics of both predators and parasites.
Various resources only list Beetles, Wasps and flies.
If the United States of America (USA) were to default on its debt, holders of US Treasury Bonds will not be able to exercise their claims to receive payment.
Statement-II:
The USA Government debt is not backed by any hard assets, but only by the faith of the Government.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?”
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
====
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Statement-I: Is incorrect because you can always exercise claims. You will not get it is a separate issue.
Statement-II: This statement is correct. US Government debt, such as Treasury Bonds, is backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government rather than any specific physical assets.
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3. Consider the following activities:
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals
In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
====
Answer B
Explanation
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft: This is typically done using X-ray scanners or advanced imaging technologies like millimetre wave scanners. Radars are unheard of in this context. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
A distinction between IDENTIFICATION and DETECTION is needed. Even if some RADAR system is being developed for the detection of potential narcotics, it cannot identify on its own whether it is narcotics or some other hard substance. Thats more nuanced information.
2. Monitoring of precipitation: Radars, specifically weather radars, are commonly used to monitor precipitation. They can detect rain, snow, and other weather conditions by bouncing radio waves off precipitation particles. Hence, statement 2 is correct
3. Tracking the migration of animals: Radars can be used to track the migration of birds and other animals. They are often used in ornithological studies to monitor bird migration patterns. Hence, Statement 3 is correct
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4. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
Statement-II:
Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does explain Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
====
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement I: The SUMED pipeline transports crude oil north through Egypt and has a capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day.
Total oil shipments via these routes accounted for about 12% of total seaborne-traded oil in the first half of 2023, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments accounted for about 8% of worldwide LNG trade.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. Most exports of petroleum and natural gas from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America pass through multiple chokepoints, including the SUMED pipeline and both the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, statement I is correct.
Fig: Data is given by U.S. Energy Information Administration
Statement II: The Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline are located in Egypt and connect the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. The Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, statement II is also correct.
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5. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
The European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
Statement-II:
The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct
====
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement I: The European Parliament has approved the Net-Zero Industry Act to enhance net-zero technology production within the European Union. Therefore, statement I is correct.
Statement II: The Act targets Europe to produce 40% of its net-zero technology needs by 2030 and capture 15% of the global market for these technologies. Therefore, statement II is incorrect.
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6. Consider the following statements:
1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
====
Answer (A)
Explanation
Statement 1:The Red Sea is located in a desert region with very high temperatures and low humidity. This leads to very little rainfall or any form of precipitation.Hence statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Due to its location, there are no major rivers flowing into the Red Sea. The water in the Red Sea comes primarily from the inflow of saltier water from the Gulf of Aden through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
====
Answer: (A)
Explanation
● Dhuandhar: This waterfall is located on the Narmada River, but the region is not Malwa. It is in Madhya Pradesh Mahakoshal region. Hence, pair 1 is incorrectly matched.
The map is attached-
● Hundru: This waterfall is indeed located on the Subarnarekha River within the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
● Gersoppa (also known as Jog Falls): This waterfall is on the Sharavati River in the Western Ghats, not the Netravati River. Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.
Therefore, Option A is correct
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Q8. With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
====
Answer B
Explanation
No provisions for post-delivery care. There is a separate program for that.
The program aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
➔ PMSMA guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities. There is no mention of Post pregnancy health care services. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
➔ The programme follows a systematic approach for engagement with the private sector which includes motivating private practitioners to volunteer for the campaign developing strategies for generating awareness and appealing to the private sector to participate in the Abhiyan at government health facilities. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
——————————————
Q9. The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members:
1. Governor of the Constituent State
2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State
3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India
4. The Home Minister of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 1, 3 and 4 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
====
Answer: A
Explanation
It is only a matter of chance that the Home Minister is appointed by the President to be the Chairman time and again. But the Act doesnt have a provision stating the Home Minister.
The NEC Act was amended by the Parliament in 2002 (Act No. 68 of 2002). The ‘North Eastern Areas’ now means the area comprising the States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram.
The Council now has as its members the Governors of the States mentioned above, the Chief Ministers of the said States and three Members nominated by the President. The President will nominate the Chairman of the Council and he need not be nominated from amongst the other Members.
——————————————
Q10. With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:
1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States.
2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
====
Answer: (a)
Explanation
Statement I: Doesnt say ONLY. So it is true.
The Act of 1935 provided for the establishment of an All India Federation consisting of Provinces and Princely States as units. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
The Act also contains the provisions for Chief Commissioners’ Provinces of British Baluchistan, Delhi, Ajmer-Merwara, Coorg and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The area known as Panth Piploda, and such other Chief Commissioners’ Provinces as may be created under this Act.
Statement II: Logically speaking, Defence and Foreign Affairs cant be given to federal units. They are too critical.
The Act divided the powers between the Centre and units in terms of three lists, Federal List (for Centre containing 59 items), Provincial List (for provinces containing 54 items) and the Concurrent List (for both containing 36 items). The creation of a ‘Federation of India’ that consisted of two levels:
Central Executive and Parliament,
Provinces and Princely states.
It discarded the ‘dyarchy’ system at the provincial level and allowed for the emergence of popularly elected provincial legislatures. Dyarchy was introduced at the central level, key subjects like defence and foreign affairs were under the direct control of the Governor General.
A federal court was established.
The franchise was expanded to 14% of the population from 3%.
Separate electorates were provided for Muslims, Sikhs and others, but not to Depressed Classes.
Governor enjoyed critical emergency powers.
Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy. However, the federation never came into being as the princely states did not join it. But this has formed the basis of Schedule VII of the Constitution of India, 1950.Therefore, Statement 2 is Incorrect.
To get PDF of all recurring micro themes, get in touch
Factual questions on the lines of state PCS were high.
Questions on armed forces, environment were tough. These were generally not from topics that aspirants study.
Polity, economics and geography were on easier lines.
Economics – capital markets, bonds – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/upsc-prelims-2024-economy-six-key-areas-to-focus-9354795/
IR was also on expected lines – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/upsc-prelims-2024-special-six-areas-international-relations-9356189/
Prelims 2023 is here. And we are all with you. We will keep updating this section with all the necessary details.
Message from entire Civilsdaily’s Team
Good luck for tomorrow from the entire Civilsdaily Family. This is not a feel-good post but a hard-hitting one because life isnt feel good and upsc definitely isnt feel good. Tomorrow is an important day, and having the right mindset is crucial. Ultimately, Prelims is a mind game.
1. **Going from strength to strength**
Molightson’s story is significant. He comes from the Maring tribe in Manipur, leading a content life with limited exposure to the outside world. His painful experiences with city life and hotel management could’ve made him bitter. But not him. He learned to handle pressure. He appeared for Prelims amidst riots in Manipur. He could’ve said Prelims is not worth risking his life, given his slim chances. Instead of blaming the world for his problems, he looked inward and went from strength to strength. The right kind of people have this attitude.
2. **Control the controllables**
Anything you do in life with a 0.1% success rate will have uncontrollable elements. Your hard work and the inner force to push your limits are necessary conditions but not sufficient. To achieve success, many factors need to come together. Animesh, AIR 2 was battling his Mom’s cancer(where he eventually lost) on one front and fighting UPSC on the other(where he aced like none). We all want to win all fights. But all we can do is give our best and leave the rest to destiny. If you haven’t done your best, putting your best foot forward to control what you can; then you dont have the right to blame what you can’t control.
3. **Choices you make**
You always have a choice in how to respond to a situation. Consider last year’s Prelims. Many came out saying elimination techniques were ineffective. Yet, every ranker used a spectrum of elimination techniques, few requiring solid prior knowledge and deep conceptual understanding, while others requiring none.
Many rankers have held sessions with us, solving the Prelims paper and explaining the same.
What happened here? Your response was reactive. UPSC tricked you into believing what your institutes taught you was worthless. Those who could stop these thoughts gave their best. Tomorrow is not about content, or academics. That is something you can fix with time. It is about getting these life lessons right. It is about building this kind of resilience.
Not sure whether UPSC intended its candidates to be this tough. But the kind of folks entering the services NOW definitely have the right mindset.
🔗 For PDFs. Fill out the form here – https://bit.ly/cd_yt to register and get the keys.
If there is only one Ranker session you should watch this year, it’s Molightson. These are rare individuals who have seen so much in life so early, they are 20 years more mature than their age!
I start the session with an interesting thought Talent is evenly distributed but ranks are not. By no means, do I want to imply that the selection process is biased. All I want to say is certain sections are more disadvantaged and it’s reflected in the numbers.
Molightson hails from Manipur. Everyone following the news understands what Manipur has been going through for the last 1-1.5 years. He is the 2nd officer from his tribe, Maring.
He starts by saying something wonderful. He not only wants people from his tribe to explore the city life, but folks from the cities to experience village life!
Talks about how UPSC is not a 1 person effort. His tribe fasted for him, and extended all possible support for him. imho, in the end, all that matters is this. Not wealth, money, or power.
In school, he was good at his studies. But this doesn’t make him unique. Many folks around him are super smart and did well in school. It is only after school that they fail to navigate through life. By some random act of chance, Molightson ends up in the Hospitality Food and Beverage sector! Post his degree, he works with Raddison Blue.
Anyone who has worked in the Hotel Industry understands that it is brutal. This experience is way beyond Molightson’s comfort zone. He talks about how 1 incident broke him, made him call his Father. He wanted to quit but he not only survives but thrives. He learns how to handle pressure which becomes the basis for his cracking the exam later in life.
This, IMHO, is the 1st instance that demonstrates the winning mindset.
Moving on, he is interested in cracking govt. exams and starts preparing. He doesn’t have UPSC in mind. Cracks a govt. department exam. Attached with an IAS officer. Brings water to his village. Improves sanitation, and way of life.
This is the 2nd instance that demonstrates the winning mindset.
It’s in 2020 that he cracks the 1st prelims. And that gives him the confidence that USPC can be done. He moves from strength to strength. It’s the small wins that stack together.
This is the 3rd instance where he demonstrates the winning mindset.
Now, the mind games begin.
I ask him, what do you say to those whose only reason to not crack the exam is that they have never seen anyone in their position clear the exam. His theory is simple-
It didn’t matter to him how others around him were doing. He wanted to know how far he could go. “It can be liberating if you dont have any examples.”
This is the 4th instance of the winning mindset.
Facing interviews was his biggest challenge given his background. He is grilled by Aradhna Maam. And he is unfaced. And she admires him for that. Saket Sir here predicts 190 for him. If he gets lucky with the board then 200+. He gets 187.
His biggest weakness becomes his biggest strength.
This is the 5th instance of the winning mindset.
His advice – it’s not the exam. it’s your ability to handle pressure. You understand this and the game is yours.
For him, the role of mentors in this journey is undeniable, and repeats it often. What an absolute privilege to have witnessed his journey.
This final countdown before the end results is the hardest. Friday, the weekend and now Monday is over. There is nothing more anxiety-inducing than this wait. It might surprise you, but we, your CD family, are at least 10x more anxious than you are and we are rooting for our 450+ students from across programs. We have been attending your calls non-stop since Friday. Everyone here Saket Sir, Pravin Sir, Sumit Sir, Ravi Sir, Shubham Sir, Zeeshan Sir everyone has been jam-packed(PS Photo of Z Sir and Pravin Sir after student interaction)
Now that we all are sure that the results will be announced tomorrow, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate how far you have come.
We have interacted with every one of you over a prolonged period and your stories have humbled us. No matter what the outcome is tomorrow, all of you are awesome, a class apart.
Mentoring you have ensured that we push our limits, and put in all we have. This experience has made us better in all senses. We believe in all of you and are with you throughout your entire preparation journey. #nomatterwhatittakes
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There is no time to read everything, no time to make lengthy notes, and to speak of facts only 1% of the aspirants will be able to clear UPSC Prelims 2023.
But, starting today, you can guarantee a 120+ score in UPSC Prelims with PYQ Based Score Booster Batch-2024 under Zeeshan Sir’s guidance and mentorship.
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